Home Automation Page

My work and hobbies center around computers and electronics. One of the most
practical and fun ways to combine those areas is in home automation. Our house
is full of automated lights and appliances, remote controls, and other fun stuff.
My system consists mostly of a HomeVision controller, a bunch of X-10 modules, and some home-built stuff.

HomeVision caller ID server - Software which takes the caller ID information from a PC connected to a HomeVision controller and sends it to client computers across a network or the Internet.

Mowing the Lawn - Here's what I came up with for a cheap and somewhat low-tech way to automate my lawn mowing. I've been able to reduce my mowing time by more than a half.

X-10 Mini Controller Repair -
Nearly every Mini Controller in my house was damaged in a power surge. Here's what
I learned when I opened them up for repair. Winner of the October 1998 Home Toys Tips & Tricks contest.

Build an X-10 Lamp - Modify an X10 wall switch
module and build it into your favorite lamp. You get intuitive on/off/dim control both
locally at the lamp and from remote controllers.